The spouse of the previous England cricket captain Andrew Strauss has died on the age of 46 following a battle with a uncommon type of lung most cancers.

Ruth was identified in December 2017, and Andrew stepped down from his job as the top of the England and Wales cricket board in the beginning of October to spend extra time together with her and their two sons, Sam and Luca.

In a press release launched by the ECB, Strauss mentioned: ‘It’s with nice disappointment and immense grief that we’ve to announce that Ruth handed away as we speak on account of her uncommon lung most cancers. Sam, Luca and I’ll miss her terribly.

Andrew Strauss’s spouse Ruth has died on the age of 46 after battling a uncommon type of lung most cancers

Andrew, Ruth and their two sons, Sam (L) and Luca, rejoice after profitable the Ashes in 2009

‘Anybody who has met Ruth will know the way loving, caring and passionately protecting she was of her household and it provides us large consolation that she was in Australia, the land of her delivery, surrounded by those that love her, in her ultimate moments.

‘We wish to ship our heartfelt thanks to those who have helped together with her therapy over the past 12 months, specifically the great group at College Faculty Hospital in London.

‘Ruth desperately wished to assist these affected by this horrible illness and we shall be launching a basis sooner or later to lift a lot wanted funds to help analysis and likewise to supply help to sufferers and their households.’

‘Anybody who has met Ruth will know the way loving, caring and passionately protecting she was of her household,’ mentioned Strauss in a press release

The pair met in Ruth’s native Australia the place she died. The previous England captain, born in South Africa, mentioned it gave the household ‘large consolation’ that she died in her native Australia.

Strauss met Ruth in Sydney in 1998, and the couple went on to marry 5 years later.

After captaining England to Ashes success over his spouse’s house nation in 2009, the Take a look at star credited her for enjoying a serious function in his success.

Ruth Strauss pictured exterior Landmark Resort in London in 2009 earlier than her analysis

Talking when he gave up his function after studying of his spouse’s analysis, Andrew instructed press: ‘We’re very fortunate that she has been effectively till now however she is beginning a brand new therapy on Friday that shall be more difficult for her and as such I shall be stepping again from my daily duties whereas that therapy is happening.

‘Each day, Andy Flower (Zimbabwean cricketer) shall be stepping in for me over the course of the summer season. He’ll fill my footwear very adequately.

‘I stay up for returning after the therapy has completed and grabbing the reins once more.

Andrew Strauss with spouse Ruth earlier than the beginning of the Virgin London Marathon 2013 Virgin London Marathon

‘For this time period my focus must be on supporting Ruth and my household at a difficult time.’

Piers Morgan led the tributes, hetweeted: ‘Dreadful information concerning the dying of Ruth Strauss from most cancers at simply 46.

Cricket commentator for the BBC, Jonathan Agnew, added: ‘All our ideas and prayers are with Andrew Strauss and his household.

‘Relaxation in peace, Ruth.’

Kevin Pieterson, one in every of England’s best ever batsmen additionally paid his respects. He tweeted: ‘To say that I’m completely gutted for the Strauss household. Ruth was form, beneficiant & solely thought of others.

‘Jess & I been desirous about all of them eve and all morning. So sorry, Straussy!

Luke Donald, former golf world primary, additionally tweeted his condolences.

‘My brother in legislation and nephew received to play with Andrew Strauss on the Grove a few years in the past.

‘Andrew couldn’t have been nicer to my then 9 12 months outdated nephew, beneficiant together with his time, encouragement & reward. So sorry to listen to concerning the passing of his spouse – so unhappy #RIPRuth,’ he mentioned.